BRTS to run along outer ring road

Bangalore, Dec 2, 2012, DHNS: 0:51 IST

The long-pending Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) — which has been delayed for nearly two years now, is all set to become a reality.

Plans are currently underway to renew the project, which will run along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) between Tumkur Road and HSR Layout, covering a distance of 49 km. Initially, it was planned to be implemented between Central Silk Board and Hebbal.

The project will be handled by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), along with the construction of 12 flyovers being constructed along the ORR.

“With the construction of the 12 flyovers along the ORR, we are also making a provision for BRTS. These are not single flyovers, but twin flyovers having a space of 80 ft, and they will be the route for BRTS,” said a BDA official.

According to BDA, the stretch along ORR will be connected from HSR Layout (through Hebbal) to Tumkur Road, with almost the entire road having BRTS on both sides of the median.

“We were hoping to connect Tumkur Road to HSR Layout from the other side also. Due to the presence of Nice road, we cannot provide a full circle of BRTS,” said the official. On account of these factors, BDA officials now claim that there might be a delay in the completion of the project.

“With the dedicated line for BRTS to be provided, completion of the 12 flyovers will be delayed. We are still waiting for the State government to release funds for the BRTS,” said the official. The total cost of the BRTS is estimated to be Rs 500 crore.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, V Manjula, Commissioner for the Department of Urban Land Transport, said, due to problems, presentation of the feasibility study had become postponed in the last few months.

“EMBARQ (private agency) has already prepared a feasibility study and a presentation of the same for various stakeholders needs to be organised. We will try to schedule it at the earliest,” she said.